The chips fly

Standing block contest at the Royal Melbourne Show. The background

is a problem but I liked this fellow's style.

You know, I was going to say something about the background, but only because I love the moment you captured of this man. Dude he's awesome. Just a suggestion--something I use when my background is distracting (in this case, it's the color that gets me: the bright red and green) try it in black and white. That will push him into the focus of the picture further, and once you get a good look at him, you don't really mind the background at all.

Thanks very much for looking and commenting Octavia; and thanks for the tip about softening the background in black and white. Never thought of that. I gave it a try and the background is less distracting, as you say. Unfortunately there is clutter everywhere, around and behind the axeman, at this arena. I'm going to try again with my 2.8 lens this time and see if I can't blur the background a bit more. Kind regards, Neil

Great stance and expression Neil.

 

I used to watch this sport on late night TV but haven't seen it in years.

Did you get to Phillip Island last weekend by the way?

 

Keith

Hello Keith, thanks for your comments. I went to the Phillip Island GP for the Friday sessions and also for the final on the Sunday. Very enjoyable. The terms of entry were - no lenses 300mm or over - so I didn't bother taking my camera. When I got inside I noticed long lenses aplenty, and you could tell that the owners were not accredited in a any way. I thought, security must not be checking, so I got a pass-out and came back with my camera, only to be told by security that I couldn't take it in. Very disappointing really. The other photographers must have gone through a different gate check. Regards, Neil